Could you share some tips about how to make, cook and store pasta?

Make: Since you’re going to be making your own pasta from scratch, I’d suggest spending a little bit of money and getting a pasta machine as kneading can be hard work. Plus, it saves you time (15 versus 30 minutes) and gives a better result.

If you’ve got some time, shake out the pasta and flour it very well when resting it. Let it air-dry completely on a big tray, tossing every so often (usually needs about 10-15 minutes in our humidity) before storing or cooking. Don’t put it in a tight nest, you want to give it space. Flavored pasta particularly tends to be wetter and have more moisture, which can be an issue as it has a tendency to stick when it’s cooked.

Store: If you’re not cooking all of it, then you have two options. You can either store it at room temperature in an air-tight container (not for more than two days), or freeze it in batches (make sure it’s sealed well and it can keep for up to a month, possibly longer).

Cook: Always use as a big a pot as you have, with lots of water and salt. The water that you’re cooking your pasta in should taste like the sea, so make sure you taste it first. And whatever you do, don’t add oil (it’s a myth that it’ll prevent the pasta from sticking, so it’s a waste).

Make sure the salted water’s come to a rolling boil before you throw in the pasta. And don’t overload the pot with too much pasta, it needs space. Once you’ve thrown the pasta in, be sure to stir it so it doesn’t stick to each other or the bottom of the pot. As a rough guide, most fresh pasta takes about two to three minutes, filled ones take a little longer, say five to six minutes.

Vivian's Pasta Hit List  

Tagliatelle with Challans duck ragout, mushrooms and port ($36) at Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar.
Sakura ebi capellini, konbu shellfish oil ($85 as part of a four-course lunch set) at Iggy’s.
Sardinian-style spaghetti with bottarga (mullet roe), garlic, prawns, chili and olive oil ($26.90) at Cugini.
 

What are the key ingredients for a successful party?
Three things—set-up, attitude and people. What makes a great party is the environment and set-up. That doesn’t have to mean spending heaps of money, it just means making the most of the venue you have. Seemingly small touches like flowers, soft lighting (candles are easy and affordable), good music or even a color theme can make all the difference.

Next, attitude. Approach your party with fun, excitement and generosity—buy the best you can afford.

Finally, remember that it’s not just about food, it’s about the company. So spend every minute possible with your guests. You want to see them, and they want to see you, not the back of your head!

What can you do to make your party truly unique and memorable?
You can do something as simple as making sure everyone gets a welcome drink, preferably something boozy, upon their arrival, but bear in mind alternatives for non-drinkers. If it seems like someone’s thought about it, it will make the party all the more special to your guests. Another thing to do is to look for some sort of connection to your guests, the occasion or the guest of honor.

Christmas is fast approaching and no doubt you’d love to host a killer bash for as many friends as possible. But whether you’re planning a sit-down dinner or full-on booze fest, organizing everything isn’t easy. So we’ve gathered the coolest venues, bartenders/chefs for hire and expert party planners to help you throw the event of the year. So eat, drink and make merry (Panadol and Berocca not included)!

1. I live in a shoebox. Where can I throw a party?

Whether your HDB flat is teeny tiny or it’s simply a matter of not wanting to mess up your home, here are some interesting and offbeat venues you can rent for the big event; so start adding names to that guest list now.

Ardent’s
Only six weeks old, you can rent a very intimate and loungey space in Ardent’s funky Neil Road shophouse on their second floor with a TV and sound system from as little as $40 a person including some light snacks and free-flow of non-alcoholic beverages. If you want booze and something more substantial, they’re happy to that sort out too, for a little extra. Keep it small at 10-15, or invite up to 45 mates for some fun.

Dominic Khoo’s 28th Février
An ex-furniture warehouse turned events space, this is the ideal 3,500 sq. ft. spot if you want to have a booze-filled ruckus with up to 500 guests. Its slope-roofed room with full-length glass façade and industrial flooring evokes a bohemian New York commune. They’re even equipped with a Bose sound system and cool furniture like flexible love chairs (for extra). Rates for the entire space start from $8,000 for a whole day (hourly rates are optional), but they’re happy to entertain parties of 20 pax as well.

Group Therapy
This two-storey Duxton shophouse is a “collective lifestyle space” that’s part café/bar, part gallery/lounge (complete with comfy couches to recline on). For those who just want to rent out the space for an exclusive event, total capacity is about 55-60, and it’ll set you back $200/hour (minimum two hours). Then again, why not get the lovely owner Deborah Oh to sort you out from just $20 a head extra for light nibbles and tea/coffee, even alcohol?

Studio 54
It aint cheap (we’re talking three large ones at the very least), but what you’ll get in return is a beautiful indoor space that’s tucked away and fits 20-30 for a three-course sit-down meal, 30-40 for a buffet-style event or up to 60 for a cocktail affair (about $150, $100 and $75 a head respectively).

2. Spare me the headache. Who can help me plan?

What you need are specialists, people who will take care of all the niggling details so you won’t tear your hair out. You can’t go wrong with butler service and pro party planners; so here are three fab options to make sure you’re well taken care of.

SomethingToGo
If you’re really looking to spoil yourself and nine lucky guests rotten, the “Party-to-Go” package ($2,988) won’t just deliver a feast to your doorstep, it also comes with a butler who’ll set up and serve your party for up to four hours with delectables like Sevruga caviar, foie gras terrine with black truffle, a giant roast turkey with all the works, chocolate Yule log cake and Champagne: Billecart Salmon Rosé. Yes, it’s extravagant. Yes, it’s indulgent. But look at it this way, ‘tis the season of goodwill and giving. Available from Dec 5 through Jan 1, 2012. Give them a buzz or email [email protected] (needs three days notice).

Speakeasy
The Hidden Host, Joyce Odom, is better known as the woman behind Speakeasy. They organize private and corporate events from about $60 a head as long as you give them a week’s notice. And yes, they’ll look after little things like designing, sending out and managing invites and RSVPs, while the menu can also be customized to canapés for a chichi do or a full-on BBQ. Or else spare yourself the cleanup and hold your celebration at their cozy shophouse space on Blair Road, if you’ve got, say, $3,500 to spare (more if you’re looking to really splurge). That should make for a lively cocktail party for 50, or about 25 sit-down guests. They also do drop-off Christmas set menus from $350 for 10 people ($50 for delivery, order five days in advance).

Fine Palate
When you’ve got a veteran like Heather Barrie running the show, you know you’re in good hands; Barrie’s been in the party planning biz for the last 20 years. If you can’t be bothered to lift a pinkie, Barrie will take care of every last detail: menu planning, venue sourcing, decoration, wait staff, bartenders and entertainment—the whole shebang from start to finish. If you’ve got money to burn, this is the sleigh ride to board (from $80 a head for a cocktail do, and from $200 per person for a sit-down affair).
The first step to throwing your dream bash is to call 6463-1671 or email enquiries@ finepalate.com.sg.

3. How can I avoid mixing drinks all night?

Booze is always an integral part of any party, so why not hire a bartender to do the heavy lifting for you?

RentABar
RentABar does what it says on the tin. A bartender costs $40 per hour for a minimum of four hours (they require at least a week’s notice), but if you’re looking for something more elaborate get a package with the Evolver mobile bar which comes with a mixologist, equipment and ice for about $250 for four hours. For really special occasions, you can even splurge on bartenders with mad skills. Tom Cruise doesn’t come cheap though; at least $250 for a two-hour gig for the talent alone. Extras aside, this is the ideal choice if you’re on a tight budget.
Log on to www.rentabar.com.sg for more information.

Néktar
One of our go-to spots for exotic concoctions, this cocktail bar does parties both on- and off-site. It doesn’t matter whether you’re throwing a do at home or in the office, they’ll hook you up with their talented mixologists who’ll show up with ingredients and equipment, then proceed to impress the hell out of you and get you absolutely sloshed. Roughly $1,500 will keep them going—and you plied—for five hours. They’ve also got a great space if you’d rather do it at theirs, but you’re looking at shelling out at least $3,000 (weeknights) and $5,000 (weekends) for 50-80 boozers. They’ll also cater if you’re feeling nibbly, from a cuisine range including Mexican, Indian and Italian. Average cost is about $100 per person including food and drinks, and they’ll need at least five days warning.

4. I’m broke, but I still want to have a party on the cheap.

Just because you’re on a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t have a rocking good time. Here are some wallet-friendly suggestions to sort you out.

The Butcher
Don’t mind some DIY turkey? The Butcher won’t only deliver a whole bird to your place (prices start from $60 for a four kg beauty, which should feed at least eight party goers), they’ll also defrost it for you so it’s pretty much ready to be popped in the oven once it reaches your doorstep. You can even throw in cranberry and walnut breadcrumb stuffing for an additional $10, and a jar of orange-cranberry jam ($14.95) as an accompaniment. Head to www.thebutcher.com.sg to reserve a bird; delivery is available Mon-Sat and costs $10 for orders below $100, and is free for orders of $100 and above.

The Drinking Partners
Targeted at beer drinkers (if you prefer vino, see Bubbly Stuff below for some ideas), The Drinking Partners carries an extensive selection of Belgian brews that are easy on the wallet (from $4.70 a pop for Bavik Premium Pilsner). Head to www.thedrinkingpartners.com to check out their full range of brews and get them delivered to your pad ($20 delivery charge for orders under $200, free delivery for orders above $200).

5. I don’t trust my own brain. Isn’t there an app to help?

Things can get a little mad during festive season, but these handy apps do a great job of helping you keep track of your schedule.

Dragon Dictation 2.0
This awesome app allows you to speak to you iPhone and have it spit it back as written text. Great for to-do lists and other bits and pieces you don’t want to forget. Five times faster than typing on the keyboard, and (this is where it won us over) it will recognize the words “Chicken Rice.” Free. iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Liza’s Simple Soirée Party Planner
iPhone’s most popular party app is the distillation of Connecticut socialite Liza Rivera Salta’s decades of experience planning swank dos. Equally practical and stylish (retro fonts, soft pastels… very ‘50s New York) it won’t let you forget a thing whether it’s guest list management, shopping lists or party invites. iPhone users love it, and so do we. Free (lite version); US$1.99 (full). iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Remember The Milk
Not as stylish as Liza’s Simple Soirée Party Planner, but just as cute. Created by two Aussies who were sick of scribbling to-do lists on sticky notes, whiteboards and the back of their hands. The app has won plaudits from industry bible PC World which said it “reinvents the to-do list.” And 1.3 million users can’t be wrong. Free. BlackBerry, Android, iPhone

6. I can’t cook. What should I do?

Everyone knows that a great party needs great food. Indulge in a degustation meal by hiring a skilled professional to cook up a storm or simply get quality fare delivered.

The Disgruntled Chef
You’ve probably eaten at his restaurant (if not, you really should), but “Dinner With The Disgruntled Chef” is for those who want the exclusive services of chef-owner Daniel Sia, who will craft and cook a unique degustation menu with his usual modern European touches. If you want to host a private dinner party with butler service in your own home look no further under the mistletoe—Dan’s your man. Be prepared to cough up at least $1,200, though, and get in touch at least two weeks in advance.
Email [email protected].

Antoinette
We don’t need you to tell you about chef-owner Pang Kok Keong’s remarkable desserts, but that’s not all this pastry wiz can conjure up. From now through Dec 20, Pang’s also whipping up maple-glazed ham ($65) and spice-rubbed turkey ($150) for the festive season. Delivery charges vary from $15-$30 depending on location. Put in your wish list at least three days in advance, and email [email protected] for more information.

Beringer California Collection Sparkling White Zinfandel NV

This New World easy drinking rosé is a subtly sweet yet well-balanced sparkling wine, with gentle bubbles and hints of strawberry. It’s just the ticket for those who prefer sweeter styles, and would be ideal enjoyed with pâté and rillettes, or creamy savory dishes.
$28.95 from Cold Storage outlets islandwide, www.coldstorage.com.sg. (For orders under $60, delivery costs $12, orders above $60 have a $7 delivery charge).

Cristalino Cava Brut NV

With citrus nuances and a slightly dry finish, this is a clean and surprisingly complex Spanish wine, particularly at this price. It will go with a variety of dishes thanks to its versatility, but would also be a treat on its own.
$40 from Bilbao Delicatessen. ($35 each if you buy a case of 12, free delivery for orders above $300).

Accademia dei Vinattieri Prosecco Spumante DOC NV

A fresh, fragrant and dry wine with soft bubbles and apple notes from the province of Treviso, Veneto, plus we’re suckers for the festive label; great as an aperitif and also pairs well with white meats like fish and poultry.
$40.50 from 1855 The Bottle Shop ($25 delivery charge for orders under $300, free delivery for orders above $300).